Genuine competition in the telecommunications industry, he said, could “come about only with a new major player which will break the existing duopoly.”

Panelo said Mislatel complied with the legal and constitutional requirements in the bidding process set by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

“There was a transparent, fair, public and open selection process,” he said.

Panelo said the NTC imposed requirements in favor of the government and end users to ensure sound performance by the new player.

He said that “in the spirit of fairness,” losing bidders “can appeal their cases before appropriate agencies”

Since the assumption of President Rodrigo Duterte, he said, “Filipinos have witnessed (his) assertive and bold leadership style.”

“While he sets policies as the country’s Chief Executive, he does not micromanage the given assignments of his alter egos,” Panelo said.

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“He does not interfere with the work of his Cabinet members and top officials as long as they properly execute their mandates in accordance with the law and the promises he made to the people,” he added.

“The entry of the third player is another shining example of the brand of governance that the President has trail blazed for emulation,” he added. /cbb

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